"For all new driveline systems, automobile manufacturers need the support of a functioning supplier base and, above all, the longstanding accumulated supplier expertise in the areas of development and production technology," said Horst Binnig, chief executive of the Neckarsulm-based firm, in a statement, underlying that this applies to those components of electric drivelines that require complex and expertise-rich production processes.

For the Rheinmetall Automotive CEO, the castings of housings for electric motors as well as battery pack carriers are widely applied in internal combustion engines. Electric coolant pumps can also use heat pumps for thermal management of power electronics, electric motor or battery.

As a key supplier to combustion engine parts, Rheinmetall Automotive has received orders worth CNY6 billion (USD900 million) in e-mobility. "Rheinmetall Automotive not only serves traditional internal combustion engine customers but also provides further support for new energy mobility in China." Binnig told Yicai Global in an interview at Auto Shanghai 2019.

The firm posted a 5.7 percent annual rise in sales in China to CNY8 billion last year with new products offsetting the slack auto market. Its mechatronics business took a share of 14 percent generating revenue of CNY1 billion. The sector grows the fastest and will be the driving force for further expansion.